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Discover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and Himalayan landscapes on the 11-day Mystical Bhutan Tour with Icicles Adventure. Journey through Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Thimphu and Haa Valley, exploring historic dzongs, sacred monasteries and traditional villages. Enjoy scenic hikes through forests and farmland, cross mountain passes adorned with prayer flags and experience local hospitality during a homestay in Punakha. Highlights include Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Monastery, Trongsa’s royal heritage and the unforgettable hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Combining guided cultural visits, comfortable accommodation and rewarding walks, this tour is ideal for travellers seeking an active and meaningful introduction to Bhutan.
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and transferred to your hotel. You will have a leisure day in Paro to recover from jet lag and acclimate to the altitude. Later in the evening, you will take an orientation walk in Paro Town. Walking through the market and meeting with the people will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight stay in Paro.
Accommodation: 3-Star Tashi Namgay Resort/Dema Resort/Lhayhuel Resort
Meals included: Nil
Today, you will drive to Punakha via Chuzom, the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, and continue through villages along the Wangchu River. The road ascends to Dochula Pass (3,150 meters), where you can enjoy panoramic Himalayan views, before descending through forests into Punakha Valley. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. Overnight stay in Punakha.
Walking distance: 1-2 Km | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
After breakfast, you will embark on a hike through homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a delightful three-story chorten overlooking the upper Punakha Valley. The views of the valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are breathtaking. Spend some time here relaxing and appreciating the harmonious beauty of the location. Hike back to the road point and drive to town for lunch. After lunch, you will drive to at Sopsokha Village for a short hike through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple. Overnight stay in Punakha.
After breakfast, you will drive to the remote region of Gangtey, with a brief stop in Wangdue to enjoy a view of the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The journey continues through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests, ascending to Lawala Pass, where you can take in panoramic views of the Himalayas. As you descend, the stunning Gangtey Goenpa and the picturesque Phobjikha Valley come into view. In the afternoon, visit the historic Gangtey Monastery and enjoy a scenic hike through the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, passing traditional villages and peaceful farmlands. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.
Today, you will head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and the place from where the first two kings ruled the kingdom. The route is along a spectacular winding road, where the popular Bhutanese film “Travellers and Magicians” was shot. Upon arrival, visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Additionally, visit the Tower of Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum. After lunch, you can stroll through Trongsa Town before driving back to Phobjikha. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.
Walking distance: 7-8 Km | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Medium
Drive to Thimphu, crossing the Dochula Pass while enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. From Dochula, you will embark on a 3-hour hike to Lungchuzekha Monastery. The trail winds through beautiful rhododendron forests, offering a picturesque setting. Once you reach the Goenpa, you will be rewarded with fantastic views. After spending some time at the Goemba (3570m), you will begin your descent to Trashigang Goempa. This descent takes you through beautiful meadows and moss-covered red rhododendron forests, where you will encounter towering hemlocks and junipers that resemble cypresses. Your car will be waiting at Trashigang Goempa to pick you up, and you will continue your drive to Thimphu. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Takin Reserve, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government. Later in the evening, you can stroll in Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
This morning, you will drive to Haa Valley via Chuzom. It is a pleasurable ride with many optional stops
along the road to enjoy the views of the villages. After arriving in Haa, you can stroll through the laid-back town of Haa. In the afternoon, explore local villages, visit their homes, and meet the families. Overnight stay in Haa.
Walking distance: 2.5 Km | Time: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium
Today morning, you will drive to Paro across Chela Pass 3810m. Walking along the high ridges dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags offers stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and other mountains on clear weather, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. You can hike further down the ridges to the Kila Goempa Nunnery, which is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountain site below the pass and perched precariously along the rock face. Spend here some time interacting with nuns and they may offer you tea. Next, walk for few miles through the coniferous forests to the road head, where your car will be awaiting to transfer you to Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.
Walking distance: 7 Km | Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Today, you will embark on a hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to Paro. This afternoon, you will try your hand at traditional archery, followed by a relaxing traditional hot stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner accompanied by ara, a local wine brewed from wheat or rice, at a farmhouse. Overnight stay in Paro.
Morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell.
Airfares, drinks and beverages, laundry, phone bills, insurance, archery & hot stone spa, tips and other personal expenses.
These are standard group departures for Mystical Bhutan Tour trip. We understand these departures may not suit your schedules, if so, please feel free to ask a customized departure date that suits you. Also, if you are looking for a different customized itinerary, please ask our local travel specialist for a new personalized, customized program as per your interests and requirements.